Outback return strike to City

AFTER receiving a pummelling last year, the Outback has struck back with a vengeance, winning both curtain raisers to the city verses country match in Cloncurry last weekend.
Selected at the Outback Muster held in Barcaldine on June 10 and 11, both the A grade and under-19 squads only had limited time to prepare for their matches against the Brisbane Second Division and Central Highlands.
The Outback A Grade side led from the opening minutes but was forced to battle a spirited Brisbane side.
However the talents of local players Mark Wren of Barcaldine, Daniel Chilcott of Barcaldine and Joel Mann of Winton helped crush the hopes of a win for the visiting team.
Last year the Outback side was hammered 70-0 in a challenge against a representative team from Wynnum Manly.
The victory for Outback can be hailed as a logistical success, with players brought together from the far corners of Queensland to be coached by Mount Isa’s Anthony Kyle.
Both the Outback and Brisbane Second Division teams give valuable representative opportunities to players who may otherwise be overlooked due to their remote homes.
Event organiser and Cloncurry Shire councillor Graeme Lemmon was pleased with the weekend’s games and their impact on his community.
"It has done wonders for western rugby league to have this event out here," Mr Lemmon said.
"People have been bursting for it.
"It’s got all the juniors interested and the local people excited about rugby league.
"There’s only 3,500 to 4,000 people living in Cloncurry and we had 3,000 through the gates.
"It’s been a terrific week.
"We recognise we’re only a remote country town so, for us, this was just brilliant."
Results from the weekend were as follows: Outback A grade slaughtered Brisbane Second division 50–32.
Tries scored for the Outback team by Johnny Chapman 3 (Mount Isa), Mark Wren 2 (Barcaldine), Mitchell Munn (Mt Isa), Daniel Chilcott (Barcaldine), Chris Thinee (Mt Isa), Joel Mann 1 try and 7 goals (Winton).
Outback Colts defeated Central Highlands Colts 36-10.
Tries scored for the Colts by Daniel Goddard 2 (Mt Isa), Francis Oui (Richmond), Nathan Ramsey (Quilpie), Jon Kabay (Hughenden), Daniel Dodd (Mitchell)Vili Savuro 4 goals and 1 try (Mt Isa).
This weekend the Central West rugby league season gets back into swing with the Ilfracombe Scorpions hosting the Barcaldine Sand Goannas on Saturday night from 6.30pm, while the Magpies go head-to-head with the Thomson Tigers on Sunday at 3.30pm in Blackall.